Dynamo ends L.A.’s chances
The Galaxy won’t be going to the Major League Soccer playoffs.
Dwayne De Rosario and Brian Ching scored goals to help the Houston Dynamo clinch the Western Division title with a 3-0 victory over the Galaxy on Saturday night in Houston.
Houston (13-5-11) eliminated the Galaxy (8-13-8, 32) from playoff contention.
The Galaxy’s Bryan Jordan had an own goal in the 14th minute. Nate Jaqua crossed the ball from the right box and, Jordan, who was fighting for possession with Brad Davis, got a foot on it and knocked it past L.A. goalkeeper Josh Saunders.
De Rosario made it 2-0 in the 20th minute after Jaqua again crossed the ball into the middle of the goalkeeper’s area. De Rosario one-timed it into the goal. Ching scored three minutes later on a breakaway.
Houston goalkeeper Pat Onstad made five saves for his 50th shutout. David Beckham didn’t play for the Galaxy because of a suspension.
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Danny Cepero of the New York Red Bulls became the first goalkeeper to score in an MLS game when his direct kick from his own 25-yard line bounced high about 20 yards in front of the goal and went in over the head of Columbus goalie Andy Gruenebaum.
